Open AccessEngineeringComputer Science

J. Trauer, S. Schweigert-Recksiek, C. Engel, K. Spreitzer, Markus Zimmermann

2020.5.1Proceedings of the Design Society: DESIGN Conference

DOI: 10.1017/dsd.2020.15

tlooto Summary

An overarching definition of Digital twins is presented based on a literature study and an industrial case study, and three sub-concepts are presented, namely: Engineering Twin, Production Twin, and Operation Twin.

Abstract

Abstract Over the last two decades, a concept called Digital Twin has evolved rapidly. Yet, there is no unified definition of the term. Based on a literature study and an industrial case study, an overarching definition of Digital twins is presented. Three characteristics were identified – representation of a physical system, bidirectional data exchange, and the connection along the entire lifecycle. Further, three sub-concepts are presented, namely: Engineering Twin, Production Twin, and Operation Twin. The presented paper thus formulates a consistent and detailed definition of Digital Twins.

Citation format

TRAUER, J., et al. WHAT IS a DIGITAL TWIN? – DEFINITIONS AND INSIGHTS FROM AN INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDY IN TECHNICAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. Proceedings of the Design Society: DESIGN Conference, 2020, 1: 757–766.